Mayor Barry to reveal plans for transportation, affordable housing & aging in place
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 23, 2015 – The Council on Aging of Greater Nashville – a leading senior service, advocacy and education organization – is holding its 30th anniversary celebration and annual meeting on Dec. 1, and Nashville Mayor Megan Barry will share plans for the area’s growing senior population, including transportation, transit, affordable housing and aging in place, which allows people to live comfortably in their homes and communities.
Mayor Barry will also discuss her vision for the city during the event.
“As the Council on Aging celebrates its 30th anniversary, I am so honored to be a part of this organization that has served more than a million seniors and their families,” said Maribeth Farringer,” executive director of the Council on Aging. “I am excited to continue to identify needs and drive solutions to serve this vibrant population, as we advance essential programs to meet their needs and improve quality of life.”
By 2040, Davidson County’s population of people 60 and over is projected to increase almost 80 percent, from approximately 95,000 to more than 171,000, according to The University of Tennessee Center for Business and Economic Research.
“With dedicated organizations like the Council on Aging, we are working to improve services that will impact the lives of seniors as this population continues to expand in our city, with particular focus on improving transportation so seniors can always get around easily and efficiently, providing affordable housing options and helping them age in their home environments,” said Mayor Barry.
Former Mayor Richard Fulton established a task force in 1985 that became the Council on Aging.
“In the mid-1980s, few groups were looking at the needs of Nashville’s older population. I felt a committee of citizens should be set up to examine the issues facing our aging community, and have input into the policies that were being made regarding transportation, housing and health care,” Fulton said. “I called on Elizabeth Jacobs, who was very knowledgeable about social services, and we met in my office. I shared my vision with her and we got the ball rolling! Thirty years later we are celebrating the many successes of the Council on Aging. COA is the advocacy group for Nashville’s senior citizens.”
The Elizabeth Jacobs Distinguished Service Award will also be presented at the 30th anniversary and annual meeting, which will be held at St. George’s Episcopal Church. Tickets to the event are available for purchase on the Council on Aging of Greater Nashville’s Web site at www.coamidtn.org/annual-meeting/. For more information, call (615) 353-4235.